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  • Breast Cancer
    Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Globally, breast cancer accounts for 23-24 per cent of all cancers in women. Most women develop breast cancer over the age of 40. In all new breast cancer cases, 5-7 per cent are young women between the ages of 20-39. It can occur in men, but these cases are very rare.   
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 26 September 2015

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Globally, breast cancer accounts for 25.4 per cent of all cancers in women. It can occur in men, but these cases are very rare.

Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue, in the inner lining of milk ducts or lobules (milk producing glands) that supply the ducts with milk.

Anatomy of the breast

The breast lies over the chest or pectoral muscles. A tail of breast tissue extends up to the armpit. The breast is made up of fat, breast tissue, connective tissue and ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. There are about 15-20 lobes. Within the lobes are smaller structures called lobules where milk is produced. The milk travels through tiny tubes called ducts. These ducts connect to a larger duct that opens in the nipple. The darker area of the skin around the nipple is called areola. The areola has many sebaceous glands. Connective tissue and ligaments provide support to the breast and give it shape. Breast tissue has many blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. The breast alters shape and size with age, pregnancy and marked weight change. Many women find that their breasts become more lumpy and tender (painful) before periods.

 

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  • Breast Cancer
    Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Globally, breast cancer accounts for 25.4 per cent of all cancers in women. It can occur in men, but these cases are very rare. Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue, in the inner lining of milk ducts or lobules (milk producing glands) that supply the ducts with milk. Anatomy of the breast The breast lies over the chest or pectoral muscles. A tail of breast tissue extends up to the armpit. The breast is made up of fat, breast tissue,…
  • Management of Breast Cancer
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  • Breast Cancer Treatment
    There are several ways to treat breast cancer. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and other factors such as general health and age of the patient. Common methods of treatment are: Surgery: This is the most common form of breast cancer treatment. This involves the removal of the tumour and its nearby surrounding margins. There are many options in surgery such as: Lumpectomy or removal of the cancerous lump in the breast and a small amount of surrounding tissue Mastectomy…
  • Prevention of Breast Cancer
    Can breast cancer be prevented? The chance of developing breast cancer depends on genes, environment and lifestyle. Factors that increase one's chances are called risk factors, while those that decrease one's chances are termed protective factors. Here are some dos to improve your protective factors and don’ts to avoid risk factors: Risk factors Being overweight or obese Smoking Excessive alcohol intake Aging Peronal history of benign or malignant breat cancer Family history of breast cancer…
  • Breast Cancer Tests and Diagnosis
    What tests do you need to have done Early diagnosis of breast cancer significantly improves survival rates. Ninety per cent of women survive if the cancer is diagnosed early. Self-examination Women should examine their breasts once a month. If you are familiar with the feel of your breast, you can notify the doctor promptly about any changes in appearance or feel. According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, 40 per cent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. The…
  • Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs
    The usual symptoms are: Any change in the shape and size of the breast Swelling or lump in any part of the breast Breast pain other than the usual tenderness before periods Any unusual discharge or blood stained discharge from the nipple Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin Inverted nipple (turned in) Pitting of the skin over breast like the skin of an orange A lump or swelling in the armpit
  • Causes of Breast Cancer and Risks
    Are you at risk of developing breast cancer? You may be if you  Are female (risk is much more for women than men) Are a woman over 40  (risk increases with age) Have a history of a benign breast conditions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia and fibrocystic breast changes Have a history of breast cancer in one breast which increases your risk of getting cancer in the other breast Have family members (esp mother, aunt, daughter and maternal grandmother) who have had breast cancer…
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